DR STEVE Lacey, of Schaeffler says precision bearings can improve the efficiency and reliability of hydraulic drives and pumps as well as their ability to withstand demanding conditions.
According to Dr Lacey, hydraulic drives and pumps are used in almost every area of manufacturing, including the oil and gas, chemical and pharmaceutical, water, sewerage, metals processing and food and beverage industries.
He says the components inside these hydraulic drives and pumps need to be reliable, energy efficient and able to withstand often very harsh operating environments.
Schaeffler’s Fluid Technology division says it has developed a diverse range of bearings and other precision components for hydraulic drives and pumps. This includes roller bearings, needle roller bearings, plain and spherical bearings, ball bearings as well as inner rings, locknuts, seals, pistons and valves.
One such product is the Permaglide range of plain or needle roller bearings for use on gear pumps. The company claims these will allow the gears to perform with almost zero losses.
According to Dr Lacey, the plain bearings can use the supply medium as lubrication while needle roller bearings can be used for fluids with low lubricating characteristics. Higher speeds are also achievable if less heat is generated from the bearings.
He says the diversity of pump design has led to the large variety of available bearings. The pump speed and load can determine which type is most suitable.
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